Springer's Gambit by W. L. Ripley

Author:W. L. Ripley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group
Published: 2011-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

When Springer returned to his room he called Bruce back in Aspen.

“Hey, Springs,” Bruce said. “Glad you called. That lady cop was here looking for you. Called too. She mentioned interstate flight and other cop shit. You’d better get back here. Said your ass was in a sling if you left the state.”

“Did she seem at all concerned? Or, maybe like she was harboring a secret longing for my return?”

“It’s more like she wants to put you inside and laugh while the cons are raping you.”

Springer laughed to himself. “She’s messing with you, Bruce. The assault beef isn’t a big enough deal to attract a high-speed badge like Ryder.” What was her interest, then? Still interested in Max? Something else?

“I don’t know, man. I like her but she’s got this, I don’t know, this aura about her, you know? Puts out these vibrations.”

“She’s a cop, Bruce. Cops make people nervous. They do it on purpose. You’ve got to get over that New Age crap. She hasn’t got any aura, she’s just a cop.”

“I don’t know. She’s spooky. She comes on nice but she’s got this tone, subtle, that lets you know not to cross her.”

“Don’t ascribe too much mystery to her. I’ll be back there within forty-eight hours.”

It was time to come back. For one thing, he wanted to see Tobi Ryder again. There it was. First time he had admitted it to himself. Also, he had just gotten everything straight with Gerry Nugent. But, as usual, Max was screwing things up with his stubbornness and his unwillingness to take directions—directions made for Max’s own good. Protecting politicians was easier. At least they understood what they were up against.

“I know where Max is now,” said Nugent, earlier in the evening when Springer had sat down at the table in the bar. “A working girl gave me his location. Called one up to his room and used your name. Cost me five C’s but it’s worth it to see the look on your face right now.” Nugent looked pleased, though he didn’t smile. “So you got new problems.”

“What’d you do with Ricky Jade?” asked Springer.

“You sure you want to know?”

“Probably not.”

“I didn’t do him.”

“That’s decent of you.”

“He’s your problem, now.”

Springer looked at the defensive scar on Nugent’s hand and said, “Why’s that?”

“I subcontracted the work on Max.” Nugent sat back and smiled his one-sixteenth of an inch smile. “I don’t like what you tell me or you try to dance me around or fuck me over, and Ricky finishes Max. Maybe you, too.”

“What about Jade’s contract on you?”

“Got that figured.”

“What if you like what I say?”

“Then I pull Ricky off until the deal’s done.”

“When the deal’s done what about Ricky?”

“I pay’im and he goes away.”

“What if he gets greedy?”

“Then he disappears off the earth.”

Springer nodded at the waitress and ordered Jack Daniels and water. He could hear the lounge singer butchering “Games People Play.” Could hear the noise of the pits and the slots pinging and scrolling. Losers hoping to be winners.

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